Is the Mazda CX-5 a Luxury Car?

Classified as a compact crossover SUV rather than a traditional luxury car, the Mazda CX-5 is often praised for its upscale interior, stylish design, and engaging driving experience. Despite not being sold under premium brands like Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Audi, Lexus, or BMW, the CX-5's features and qualities can sometimes give it a premium feel compared to other vehicles in its class.

Understanding Luxury vs. Premium

The term 'luxury' in the automotive world is often reserved for vehicles from renowned luxury brands like Bentley, Rolls-Royce, and the aforementioned Audis, Lexuses, and BMWs. These brands are synonymous with high-end materials, extraordinary craftsmanship, and premium features. However, the Mazda CX-5, while not a luxury car, is definitely a premium one. Mazda is known for its innovative design, advanced technology, and reliable performance, making it a contender in the premium segment.

Is the Mazda CX-5 a Luxury Car?

The answer to whether the Mazda CX-5 is a luxury car depends on your perspective and the benchmarks you set. While it is not technically a luxury car, it does offer many features that might rival those found in luxury vehicles:

Upscale Interior: The CX-5 offers high-quality materials and premium features. Stylish Design: Its elegant and modern design sets it apart from many competitors. Engaging Driving Experience: The CX-5 provides a lively and satisfying driving dynamic. Reliability: Mazda is known for the durability and reliability of its vehicles.

Many drivers find the CX-5 to be a very nice and durable vehicle, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a premium driving experience without the premium price tag. This is especially evident when you compare it to vehicles like the BMW X3 or the Land Rover Discovery, which are closer to the luxury segment but may come with a significantly higher price and less standard equipment.

Personal Experience with the CX-5

From a personal perspective, as someone who has driven various luxury vehicles and has now taken delivery of a 2018 CX-5 GT FWD, the experience is quite commendable. The CX-5 GT trim comes with many standard features, including a head-up display, heated steering wheel, heated rear seats, and windshield wiper de-icer. In comparison, a base model of the BMW X3 is $10,000 more expensive and often comes without many of these features as standard equipment. Additionally, the CX-5 is likely to be more reliable, which is a significant factor for many car buyers.

Conclusion

While the Mazda CX-5 may not be classified as a luxury car in the strictest sense, it certainly offers a premium driving experience. Its combination of style, comfort, technology, and reliability makes it a worthy contender in the premium segment. For drivers who value these aspects without the premium price, the CX-5 is an excellent choice, and it is arguably better than many vehicles in the luxury crossover segment without the added cost.